LAHORE, MAR 17: /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has announced three months remission in the punishment of prisoners and release of 155 prisoners across the province. CM while addressing the iftar dinner ceremony organised in the Kot Lakhpat Jail stated that 155 prisoners are being released after paying a diyat amount of rupees 15 crore with the collaboration of philanthropists. A video call facility will be provided in all the jails of Punjab very soon.

CM stated that she herself remembered the time spent during her period of imprisonment while coming to the Central Jail today. ” I was imprisoned in the Death Cell Chakhi and faced a difficult time. My father was also imprisoned in the same Jail but was denied permission for meeting him. I used to meet my father once a week only. Once I received a hand written letter of my father which stated that he after being arrested is being taken to the NAB. Someone in the jail told me that your father is feeling unwell and is being taken to the hospital. It was a time of great difficulty.”

CM stated that she used to query as what wrongful act she has committed for which she is kept in the jail and then used to sit on the praying mat. I used to wait for the appeal when I came to know that the Judge went on three weeks leave. I couldn’t talk with my cancer patient mother in the Adiala Jail. I used to talk with my children for 20 minutes only. I was greatly worried about my 15 years old daughter as she also underwent a difficult time. Someone in the court told my father about the state of illness of my mother and despite his repeated saying, no one allowed his conversation with his wife. I spent the difficult jail time with patience and perseverance.

 A person gets 24 hours to think and ponder in the jail.” CM said that few persons go to jail due to their faults and few due to their circumstances adding that even the innocent have to face punishments due to shortcomings in the justice system.We would definitely bring improvements  in the jail system along with provision of possible ease for the prisoners. We are aware about the difficulties of prisoners and we would bring improvements in their food and other essential needs. A video call facility for the prisoners has been launched. I felt pleased to witness a youth prisoner talking with his wife and daughter via video call. A prisoner is provided with a moment of rejoice while talking with his family members via video call.

CM further directed to adopt a respectable and dignified practice for arranging a meeting of the prisoners with their family members. We want to bring reforms in the jails so as to make every prisoner a useful citizen of the society. We would let the prisoners to stand on their feet by imparting them various skills in the jails. 04 doctors will perform their duties in the Central Jail Hospital and an operation theatre is also available. I am pleased that the prisoners can keep their fast and spend Eid at home after the payment of their diyat. It is prayed that improvements come about in the justice system so that no innocent can be put to unjust  imprisonment. Former Senator Pervez Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Information & Culture Azma Bokhari, Chief Secretary,  Secretary Home, Special Secretary Home, IG Prisons and other concerned officials also accompanied.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 17: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif submitted on Sunday summary to President Asif Ali Zardari, proposing the extension of Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s tenure by one year.

The tenure of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, the four-star officer and 16th Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), was slated to end on Saturday, with his retirement scheduled for March 18.

Assuming command on March 19, 2021, from his predecessor ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu has exhibited exemplary leadership during his tenure.

As per the military protocol, the appointment of the Chief of Air Staff is a statutory office held by an Air Chief Marshal in the PAF. This appointment is made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and confirmed by the President of Pakistan, signifying the importance of this role in the country’s defence establishment.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s career trajectory is marked by a deep commitment to service and excellence. Joining the PAF’s GD (Pilot) branch in 1986 as a fighter pilot, he has served in various capacities, including in fighter squadrons, operational airbases, and regional commands.

His pursuit of academic excellence led him to attend prestigious institutions such as the Combat Commanders School, Air War College, and Royal College of Defense Studies in the United Kingdom, further enhancing his strategic vision and leadership capabilities.

His diverse experience within the PAF includes serving as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for Operations Research and Development, Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Training Officers, Director-General of Projects at Air Headquarters Islamabad, and additional secretary in the Ministry of Defence.

In recognition of his meritorious service, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu has been decorated with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) awards, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the nation’s defence.

Lahore, MAR 17 /DNA/ – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the attack on Mir Ali Check Post, stating that the nation assures that such a cowardly act will be dealt with a strong response that the enemy will remember forever.

Federal Minister For Interior Mohsin Naqvi said that  now is not the time for the enemy to attack and for us to only condemn silently.  Federal Minister  Mohsin Naqvi said that the way the enemy is attacking, a strong response will be given. The entire nation is united in the war against terrorism and stands with the Pakistani army. We  all will give a strong response to the cowardly actions of the enemy. He said that Lieutenant Colonel Kashif Ali,  Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar and other soldiers

who embraced martyrdom while defending their motherland against the scourge of terrorism in Mir Ali, North Waziristan are heroes of the nation, and the Pakistani nation salutes its brave soldiers. The brave sons of the Pakistani army made the nefarious designs foiled  of terrorists   by sacrificing their precious lives. Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the officers and jawans of the Pakistani army have made history in the war against terrorism with their valuable sacrifices.

He further said that the unprecedented sacrifices of the martyrs are unforgettable. The martyrs are our pride, and their great sacrifices will not be forgotten.

RAWALPINDI, MAR 17 (DNA) — The traditional activity of providing free charity meals during the holy month of Ramazan to the needy continues in the city, as traders communities, individuals, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) come together to serve Iftar meals.

Various ‘Dastarkhwans’ and ‘Langars’ (free Iftar food spots) have been set up in different parts of the city, with banners and posters displayed on main roads near the prescribed locations to invite those fasting during Ramadan.

One large free food spot has been set up in Namak Mandi, Raja Bazar area, where a considerable number of people including labourers and daily wagers are being served with food at Iftar time.

“This is only to seek Allah Almighty’s pleasure, a way to show our compassion to those who are needy,” said Faisal Malik, a cloth shopkeeper, emphasizing the importance of serving those in need.

Similar arrangements have been made by the business community in Purana Qila and College Road to serve deserving people, while another dastarkhawan is active near Benazir Shaheed Hospital on Murree Road, catering to both laborers and travelers.

In addition to community-based dastarkhawan arrangements, NGOs and welfare organizations have also organized daily Iftar dinners at their prescribed locations to support those in need.

A volunteer at a Langar Khana mentioned the increase in the number of individuals attending the meals each year, noting that the economic situation has led to more deserving visitors during the holy month of Ramazan. — DNA

PIDE’s call to action targets a broad audience, including policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector, urging them to deliberate on the study’s findings and recommendations

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAR 17: In a pioneering move, the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), a Premier National Think Tank, has made public its investigative report titled “GORs Everywhere: University Land for Public Housing.” Authored by Nadeem Ul Haque, Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), M. Jehangir Khan, and Iram Nadeem, this study embarks on a critical analysis of the conventional utilization of university lands, predominantly allocated for housing within educational institutions’ premises. It advances a transformative outlook proposing the allocation of these tracts for commercial endeavours through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), aiming at amplifying universities’ revenue streams whilst augmenting local economies and societal well-being.

According to the Press Release issued from the PIDE, Islamabad office, the report states that Universities globally have evolved from their traditional roles to become contemporary, business-oriented centres of education and research, enjoying greater autonomy and financial independence. This shift comes as higher education faces the dual challenges of growth and sustainability, prompted by the scarcity of tax dollars and diminishing societal support. In response, institutions are increasingly adopting entrepreneurial approaches, including self-promotion, forging partnerships, and embracing technological innovations, to thrive in the knowledge economy and align themselves as competitive entities in both domestic and international arenas.

In Pakistan, universities confront similar financial challenges and debates over resource allocation, particularly concerning the construction of housing colonies on campus lands. Such practices are criticized for squandering valuable assets that could be more strategically utilized to enhance the institutions’ financial viability and fulfil their educational missions more effectively.

Central to the study’s findings is an insightful comparison between the land use strategies employed by globally renowned universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, and their counterparts in Pakistan. This contrast not only sheds light on the successful financial models adopted by these international institutions—stemming from strategic investments in commercial ventures on their campuses—but also underscores the significant potential for Pakistani universities to replicate such success. Through meticulous analysis, the report brings to the fore the extensive opportunity costs entailed by the maintenance of residential colonies on university lands, underpinned by the examination of high property values across major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Emerging from these observations, PIDE posits a series of policy reforms aimed at reimagining the use of university lands. Key among these is the suggestion to monetize residential perks for faculty and staff by introducing market-rate rentals for university-owned properties, thereby creating a new income stream. Furthermore, the institute advocates for the development of high-rise residential and commercial complexes, a move anticipated to optimize land use and maximize revenue generation. Central to realizing these visions is the establishment of PPP ventures, characterized by clearly defined profit-sharing models and ownership structures, ensuring that universities retain land ownership over the long term.

PIDE’s call to action targets a broad audience, including policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector, urging them to deliberate on the study’s findings and recommendations. By embracing these innovative land-use strategies, Pakistani universities stand on the brink of achieving financial independence, reducing their reliance on government funding, and significantly contributing to the country’s economic growth and social development.

LAHORE, MAR 17 /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has  condemned terrorists attack on a checkpost at Mir Ali in the area of North  Waziristan. CM has paid tribute to the martyred officers and sepoys of Pakistan Army.CM expressed her heartfelt sympathy with the family members of the martyrs.

Maryam Nawaz paid salute to the valour of Lieutenant Colonel Kashif for consigning the terrorists to hell. CM acknowledged that the officers and sepoys of Pakistan Army by sacrificing their precious lives for our dear homeland has written a history of bravery adding that the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army are a pride of the whole nation.

Lieutenant Kashif of Pakistan Army consigned six terrorists to hell and became immortal. CM lauded that our brave soldiers safeguarded our dear homeland by foiling intrusion of the terrorists adding that the precious sacrifices being laid down by the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army further strengthen our unflinching resolve against the terrorists.

A significant political negotiation looms over the distribution of the NFC (National Finance Commission) award, spurred by the IMF’s push for a return to pre-18th amendment allocations

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Tensions are brewing as the coalition partners brace for a looming showdown over the contentious issue of privatizing key state-owned enterprises, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Steel Mills. This clash is expected to come to a head amid discussions surrounding the National Finance Commission Award (NFC), presenting yet another formidable challenge for the coalition.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership has taken a firm stance against the privatization of the national flag carrier, PIA. Their opposition is not solely rooted in concerns over potential declines in PIA’s performance post-privatization, but rather in the fear of mass layoffs that could affect tens of thousands of employees. These employees, many of whom were hired during various tenures of the PPP government, now face the prospect of unemployment should privatization proceed unchecked.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is facing significant challenges due to its excessive staffing levels and longstanding financial losses. This over-staffing has contributed substantially to the airline’s inefficiency and financial woes over the years. Many positions within the organization are filled based on political affiliations rather than merit, resulting in a workforce that often lacks the skills and motivation necessary to drive the airline’s growth.

Furthermore, the PIA continues to grapple with the repercussions of being banned from operating in European countries. This ban was imposed following the revelation of fake degrees held by some Pakistani pilots during the PTI government’s tenure. This incident not only tarnished the reputation of the airline but also underscored broader issues of regulatory compliance and safety standards within the aviation industry.

The Pakistan Steel Mills stands as a poignant example of a burdensome venture draining resources without yielding commensurate benefits. Despite its potential, the institution has become synonymous with inefficiency, with a significant portion of its workforce seemingly more focused on reaping perks than contributing to its productivity. The prevalent presence of employees affiliated with political parties such as the PPP and MQM further complicates matters, as any attempts to privatize or reform the Steel Mills are met with staunch resistance, effectively thwarting much-needed efforts for revitalization and efficiency enhancement.

One plausible explanation for the PPP’s decision not to join the cabinet could be its reluctance to be in a position where opposing the privatization process would be challenging. Anticipating this scenario, the PPP may opt to exert pressure on the PML-N government in the near future, leveraging their awareness that the government’s stability hinges significantly on PPP support. This strategic move could potentially empower the PPP to influence policy directions more effectively, using their political leverage to shape governance outcomes in alignment with their priorities.

A significant political negotiation looms over the distribution of the NFC (National Finance Commission) award, spurred by the IMF’s push for a return to pre-18th amendment allocations. Prior to the 18th amendment, 47.5 percent of the federal government’s total revenues were distributed among the provinces. However, post-amendment, this volume was raised to 50.5 percent, reflecting a significant increase. The IMF contends that this shift has led to an imbalance, asserting that the provinces are receiving an excessive share and advocating for a rationalization of the distribution.

Given that the PPP played a pivotal role in championing the 18th amendment, it is poised to resist any alterations to the NFC award. Their historical stance on decentralization and provincial autonomy aligns with the increased allocations to the provinces post-amendment. Consequently, the PPP is likely to vehemently oppose any attempts to roll back these allocations, viewing it as a regression in the devolution of powers and resources to the provinces.